Monday, March 5, 2012

the lady and the anchor

"i wasn't made for farmland but for bilge water and sails

i long to see such foreign lands and drink exotic ales"

a while ago, i did a post in which i explained how nice it is when a work of art can live past its inspiration and begin being being more fluid in meaning (you can find it here). in this post, i present another song i wrote several years ago, though this one hasn't so much changed in meaning but been updated in application. it was written about, or at least inspired by, graduate school (you'll find in another post an explanation of my feelings about going on after my bachelor). i wrote it toying with the idea of taking a breather from school after i graduated. the song is basically about the fact that i wasn't made for school, but after i've lived a little more, i think i'll be ready for it. there were plenty of liberties taken once the song started taking shape, so don't read into it too much. still, i think it can offer some insight on what in the world i'm on about. the character speaking is indeed speaking to a girl, but the song was not inspired by a university. as a matter of interest, you may find it amusing to know that while writing it i always referred to the girl in question as 'washington.' i was pretty eager to get into uw.

i share this now because i'm finally graduating, and off to sea, so to speak. perhaps you can relate in one way or another, or perhaps not, but hopefully you can enjoy it a bit either way.

the lady and the anchoroh, i'm going to the seafor it's been calling out to meand i'll return as a man and not this boy that i have beenfor my soul longs to be freeand on the waters it may beand i'll be yours if you'll be mine when i am home again

i wasn't made for farmland but for bilge water and sails i long to see such foreign lands and drink exotic alesbut this shore has held me faster than a thousand earthly jailsbut that freighter seems a file for these barsand while some will scoff and doubt i tell you soon i will be outand i'll trade in my old compass for a sextant and the stars

for i'm going to the seafor it's been calling out to meand i'll return as a man and not this boy that i have beenfor my soul longs to be freeand on the waters it may beand i'll be yours if you'll be mine when i am home again

i feel it's only fate to wear an anchor on my armand a lady on the other to dance to my guitarbut rest assured there's no need for upset or for alarmfor i tell you my intentions still are truefor as we see her pouty lips and watch her saucy swaying hipsthe men will dream of maidens past and i will think of you

my darling lover, dear, it breaks my heart to see you crybut to say i wish i needn't go t'would truly be a liefor i was meant to sail these seas as sure as birds are meant to flyand as every bird must leave its nest i too must say goodbye

oh i wish that i could have you, i wish i could somehowbut the truth is that this boy i am, i cannot have you nowbut when i return, a sailor, with beard and heavier browi pray then that these fickle gods our romance will allow

so i am going to the seafor it's been calling out to meand i'll return as a man and not this boy that i have beenfor my soul longs to be freeand on the waters it may beand i'll be yours if you'll be mine when i am home again

yes i'm going to the sea for i'm still longing to be freethese legs were never meant to stay on landand when i come home to theei hope and pray i'll bea lover and a sailor that is worthy of thy hand